AYSO is dedicated to child development in a soccer environment that is safe, fair and fun. The kids are the focus of the AYSO program, and the success of the program depends on the efforts of everyone involved. Three groups of people, working together, form the AYSO team, which creates the environment in which our children develop.
The coaches are the foundation of the AYSO team. They spend hours with the players every week, at practices and at the games, teaching them how to win, how to lose, how to work for an objective, and how to be a team, all through the vehicle of the game of soccer. In this way they become role models for the players and influence the players' values and behavior.
The referees watch over the game, helping younger players with the rules, and making sure that the game is safe and fair for all. The referees set the tone of the competition, protect the players throughout the match, and provide the necessary authority on game day.
The spectators support the players' activities in a positive and encouraging way. They create the environment in which the players, coaches and referees work. They also help to interpret the lessons of the game for the players after the match.
When these three groups work together, they create the necessary environment for our children to develop through soccer. The triangle created by these three groups represents that environment. It protects the players only as long as the three sides are firmly linked. If it comes apart at any corner, the triangle collapses, and it is the players inside who get hurt. Whatever role you play, keep the AYSO team in mind. Remember, it's for the kids.
How to Conduct at GAMES
Parents, spectators, coaches, and referees have responsibilities and obligations to keep our all-volunteer soccer program a fun sport for all. With this in mind, please observe the following:
1. Cheer positively for the things you like and encourage your team. Have fun!
2. Never put down the other team or any of the players on either team.
3. Please leave the sideline coaching to the coach. Spectators frequently yell instructions to the players - these instructions often contradict those of the coach and only confuse the players.
4. Our referees, like all AYSO officials, are volunteers, not professionals. While their decisions might not always be agreeable to all participants and spectators, they are final. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement or derogatory remarks. Referees can caution players (showing a yellow card) or send them off (showing a red card) for misconduct. Referees can also caution and send off coaches, and even terminate the game. Deliberate fouls or abusive words or disrespect by the players, coaches or spectators can lead to these actions. Criticism or derogatory comments directed at youth referees will result in that person's immediate ejection from the area.
5. Every year we have many new referees and coaches. Each is volunteering to do a difficult job, and mistakes inevitably occur. Heckling the referees or coaches is completely unwarranted. Serious problems involving coaches or referees should be brought to the attention of a board member after the game.
6. For the safety of all, coaches and spectators must stand at least one yard from the sideline. No one is allowed behind the goal or within 18 yards of the goal line on either side of the field. Coaches and referees are asked to enforce this condition.
7. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or pets are allowed at games or practices.
8. Water and some form of citrus, preferably sliced oranges, are the only recommended half-time refreshments.
9. All players present and in proper uniform must play at least three quarters of the game (half of the game in U16 & U19).
10. It is our responsibility to encourage everyone to keep the fields clean and free from litter. If you see anyone misusing the facilities (climbing fences, kicking balls into fences, throwing litter on the field, etc.) please bring the matter to the attention of a coach, referee or AYSO official.
Weather
Scheduled games will be played unless they are specifically cancelled. We make every attempt to keep playing but we must consider the safety of the players and the condition of the fields.
The Regional Commissioner can cancel games prior to the scheduled time of play. The only person authorized to cancel a game on the field is the referee scheduled for that game after (s)he personally inspects the field. Coaches can not cancel the game, even by mutual consent.
If it is raining, the fields may be closed. In addition, play on a saturated field is not allowed. Every effort will be made to inform all coaches in time to notify their teams if a game is cancelled.
Kids are No. 1.
Fun, not winning is everything.
Fans only cheer, and only coaches coach.
No yelling in anger.
Respect the volunteer referees.
No swearing or abusive behavior.
No smoking or vaping of any kind.
No alcohol, cannabis, tobacco or drugs.
No weapons.
Leave no trash behind.
Set a proper example of sportsmanship.
No dogs or pets of any kind at AYSO events.